Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is 26 miles northeast of Nevada City, California in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The park was created in 1965 by concerned citizens to preserve the exciting and controversial story of our country’s largest hydraulic gold mining operation that devastated the area from the mid-1800s. Malakoff Diggins is the site of our country’s first environmental law issued by the federal government against the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Company (Sawyer Decision) to curtail the release of the mud, gravel, and debris that clogged streams and major rivers from the foothills down to San Francisco Bay.

The dramatic hydraulic mining pit is an enduring testimony to the scale of reckless environmental and social impact that hydraulic mining caused throughout northern California. A 40-minute drive from picturesque Nevada City brings you to the ghost town of North Bloomfield. Here visitors and students can experience a unique window of life in a circa-1880’s gold mining community.

The park comprises approximately 3,200 acres of majestic pines, cedars and oaks between 2,500’ and 4,000’ elevation in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills region. Overnight visitors can choose between a shady, restful campsite in Chute Hill campground or a rustic “Miners Cabin.” The group campsite accommodates up to 60 people.

Approximately 20 miles of scenic trails range from very easy to strenuous and connect with the popular South Yuba River Trail. Overnight and day school programs are offered in the fall and spring. Popular events offer important recreational opportunities for nearby communities and the region: Discover Malakoff! series, Humbug Day the second Saturday in June, and the Ice Cream Social in September.

To view a 5 minute video submitted by park visitor John Cragen, click on the image below.

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Support Malakoff Diggins SHP

The Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins (FNBMD) is a non-profit organization that supports park-related educational activities and helps to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the park. All donations made to FNBMD stay in the park for the benefit of present and future generations.
Please join us or complete our Donations Form which will take you to Paypal for any amount you wish to contribute. To read our 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, click here.
Thank you for supporting this very special park.

Discover Malakoff!

Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins invite you to Discover Malakoff! the second Saturday of every month.

Park Information

HOURS OF OPERATION: The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. As of May 1, 2019 the visitor center/museum is open on weekends. Town tours are at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Please use the self-pay system when the Visitor Center is closed.DAY USE FEE: Parking fees: $5 per vehicle (from September 4, 2018-May 24, 2019). Discounts are available for seniors and veterans. Help support California's state parks by purchasing an annual day use pass online at www.parks.ca.gov or purchase your pass at Malakoff when the visitors center is open.RECREATION: There are over 20 miles of trails throughout the park to enjoy a leisurely or a moderately steep hike. Swim, or fish in Blair Lake.CAMPING: The campground opens May 24, 2019.CABINS: Reservations for rustic mining cabins can be made through Reserve California either online or by phone.RESERVATIONS: Reservations for cabins and camping are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from www.ReserveCalifornia.com up to 6 month in advance or by calling (800) 444-PARK (7275). Call center hours: Daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST (except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). The best times to call are midday and midweek, when the phone lines are less busy.